Ponderize

During General Conference, which happened, unbelievably, two weeks ago, Elder Devin G. Durrant invited the church to ponderize one scripture a week. Ponderize, he explained, is "a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization." I have chosen two scriptures since then to ponderize. The first to bring me comfort and courage in doing right amidst a world of opposition and criticism, and the second to bring me closer to a constant state of happiness.

The first scripture I chose was D&C 6:34. "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." The phrase "little flock" caught my attention when I came across this scripture during personal study. I felt the love and careful attention God gives to His people, meaning all of His children, but more specifically those who follow Him and keep His commandments and strive to do good. Knowing that He supports me and defends me gives me courage to do what is right and comfort in knowing that simply doing good is what He requires of me. This scripture also re-lit my conviction to center my life in Jesus Christ and make Him my life's foundation. Christ loves me; He watches over me; He is with me.

The second scripture I chose was Mosiah 2:41. "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember these things are true; for the Lord God has spoken it." This week I am searching for ways to make my life more full of happiness. I am trying to become more optimistic and filled with joy. I'm going that as I reflect on this scripture that I will be inspired by the spirit to better know how to be happy.

*I'm STILL working on the post from a few weeks ago. I'm hoping all of my research will pay off. I'm trying to be thorough in finding scripture references and cross-references to make the pattern I found to be more credible.

Prophets (and a bit of overzealousness)

*Side Note: My post from last week is still in the works. It turns out I was a little overzealous and made the scope of my article too big to write in one week. I became too wrapped up in studying the scriptures and finding patterns - and every scripture that fell within those patterns - in order to finish writing about my discoveries in one week. I'm not really sorry, though, because more deeply studying the scriptures is the main goal behind this blog project in the first place. However, I am going to try to keep the subject of my posts on a smaller scale so I can achieve all of my goals.*

The LDS General Conference is this weekend, and in preparation for doing so, I wanted to write a bit of my understanding and testimony of the Lord's prophet and apostles that live on the earth today. Prophets existed anciently, and accounts of their teachings and actions are recorded in the Old and New Testament, Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon. Moses, Abraham, Noah, Daniel, Lehi, Nephi, and many others are revered as faithful prophets and servants of God. 

A prophet, by definition, is a man called of God to receive direct revelation for the Lord's people, hold all of the keys of His Holy Priesthood, and to serve as a representative and mouthpiece of God himself. Christ served as not only our Savior, but also a prophet when he taught the people in Jerusalem and the Americas. He was, we could say, the "ultimate" prophet because He perfectly embodied the characteristics and virtues of God, and was unified with Him, so much so that He was "one" with God. When Christ served on the earth, He called apostles to serve as witnesses of Him, and to teach the people God's word. After Christ was killed and resurrected, each of His apostles were killed as well. So began the Great Apostasy.

For many centuries, no true representative of God lived on the earth. His gospel was broken up and dispersed between the many religions and churches on the earth, but no one held the authority or position of God's prophet. In 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith went to grove of trees to ask God which church held the truth, and which he should join. In response, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph and instructed him that no church on the earth was true, and that he should join none of them. Later, Joseph was taught that he was called to restore the fulness of God's gospel on the earth. He was to be called as the Prophet of God. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830 by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He called twelve apostles to serve as special witnesses of Christ and to serve in the same capacities as Christ's apostles. God has since called Prophets and Apostles to preside over His church as past prophet and apostles have passed away. The members of the LDS church believe, therefore, that the Prophet Thomas S. Monson leads the church today with God's authority and direction.

It is my testimony, confirmed to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ, and that they called him to restore God's true church upon the earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's current prophet, and that he leads this church under God's direction. I know that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the counselors in the First Presidency of the church are also called of God and serve as witnesses of Christ. I know these things to be true because I have prayed and searched to know they are true, and the Holy Ghost whispered in my mind and in my heart that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the fulness of God's truth and is led by the Prophet of God. I cannot deny these things, nor do I have any desire to. Heavenly Father has blessed me, and the world, with the opportunity to listen to a prophet's voice this weekend, and I look forward to the opportunity with bated breath and a yearning heart. I pray that I may heed his words, that they may be written on my heart as the words of God. I proclaim these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Power of Faith

Often, individuals find the concept of faith vague and even unnecessary. So many rely on what they see and what they have experienced to make decisions and develop their beliefs. Logic and evidence, rather than faith, are accepted as credible motives behind a decision. The prophet Alma explained, “faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21). However, faith is also so much more. Faith is a principle of action, the driving power behind success, miracles, and salvation. Gospel scholar James E. Talmage stated, “Faith is the secret of ambition, the soul of heroism, the motive power of effort.” Simply, faith is the motivating force behind all action. We do something with an expected outcome, and that expectation comes from faith—a hope that the result will be consistent with the truth that we have come to understand. Faith, then, is just as relevant as logic and evidence.

However, scholar Bruce R. McConkie warned that faith alone will only produce so much. “There is no salvation in that general principle of faith alone, that moving cause of action, which causes the farmer to plant his seed with the unseen hope that it will bear grain. But there is faith unto salvation when Christ is the focal point in which the unseen hope centers.” Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then, is a source of power so great that it can bring those that have it salvation. McConkie continued, “Accordingly the Prophet explained ‘that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.’ These he named as: 1. ‘The idea that he actually exists’; 2. ‘A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes’; and 3. ‘An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will.’” Therefore, sincere belief in the existence of Jesus Christ, an unadulterated understanding of his nature, and righteous living in accordance to his commandments are each necessary in order for faith to have true power in an individual’s life.

With faith in Christ, an individual may be privileged to certain blessings, and even miracles. McConkie explained, “Miracles, signs, the gifts of the Spirit, the knowledge of God and godliness, and every conceivable good thing—all these are the effects of faith; all of these come because faith has become the ruling force in the lives of the saints. Conversely, where these things are not, faith is not.” The scriptures are filled to bursting with accounts of miracles and other workings done by faith. Christ himself performed countless miracles during his ministry on the earth. Instructing his apostles, He said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). We have access to the power of faith, if only we have faith in Christ. Of course, even if you had great faith, miracles would only be possible if they were in accordance with God’s will.

In Ether 12, Moroni lists many miracles and wonders performed by the power of faith. Below is a compilation of these miracles by verse:

7	Christ showed himself to the world after his resurrection.
8	Christ prepared a way for all men to be resurrected; he gave all a reason to hope.
10	Men were given the Priesthood of God.
11	God gave men the Law of Moses, and Christ then came to fulfill it and give a higher law.
13	Alma and Amulek were freed from prison because the prison walls fell around them.
14	The Lamanites’ hearts were changed, and they were baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
15	Ammon performed a miracle—and all others who perform miracles do so by faith.
17	The Three Nephites are protected from death and roam the earth to teach God’s word.
19	When Christ came, some saw beyond the veil.
20	The Brother of Jared was able to see the finger of God.
22	The Book of Mormon was brought forth in modern times.
23	Many writers of the Book of Mormon were made mighty in speech.

Faith enabled each of these things to come to pass. One experience in particular, that of Alma and Amulek after they were cast into prison, shows how faith bestows power on those who have it.

A group of judges and lawyers captured Alma and Amulek and had cast them into prison because they spoke of God:

And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.

And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and the priests, and the teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.

And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. . .  (Alma 14:25-28)

These two men were strengthened both physically and spiritually to withstand their afflictions. They had faith that God would assist them, and they acted in faith with the power of God. A miracle was performed, and they were saved.

Although so many miracles have occurred throughout history, some individuals believe that miracles are impossible now. However, I claim that miracles are not only possible today, but they occur often. The prophet Mormon wrote, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and has sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased, wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain” (Moroni 7: 27, 37). The problem today is the same one Mormon spoke of. Unbelief and doubt abound, and faith is scarce—especially faith in Christ. If people would but have faith, they would witness and partake in miracles.

I have seen many a miracle in my life. I have repented of sins and received forgiveness through the mercy of Christ. I have overcome temptations and endured trials that were too much for me to bear on my own. I have moved the proverbial mountains in my life to achieve success and find joy. And I have an unfailing hope that if I rely on my faith in Christ, I will ultimately achieve salvation and exaltation after I die. Modern day prophet Spencer W. Kimball powerfully bore his testimony of the power of faith, and I would like to add his words to mine. “But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God” (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 50–51).

I encourage you to search for faith, to step into the dark and reach for Christ’s outstretched hand. He is there. He lives. He loves you. I know this not because I have a perfect knowledge of Him, but because He gives me my own tiny, yet profound miracles that could never be explained by logic. I have felt His presence and His love continually. I once stepped into the dark and reached for His hand; He grasped it, and has never let go.

Photo Credit and Quotes from Talmage, McConkie, and Kimball: https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrines-of-the-gospel-student-manual/chapter-13-faith-a-power-that-centers-in-christ?lang=eng

Conclusions

As I read the Book of Revelations, a concerning question came to my mind: am I worthy to stand with God and his most beloved servants in the Celestial Kingdom? Almost immediately, I concluded that I wasn’t. My weaknesses and mistakes flooded into my mind, and I realized how insignificant and wicked I seem compared to righteous disciples described in the scriptures. But as I pondered this question, hope returned to my mind, and I remembered the Atonement of Christ. Three fundamental principles—faith, hope, and love—have reminded me that because of Christ’s selfless and everlasting sacrifice, I can change; I can become a daughter of God who is worthy to inherit His Kingdom.

This first principle directly shows me how I can overcome sin and become God’s worthy daughter. If I live with active faith in Christ, then I will be given opportunities to perform the work of God. Paul and Barnabas, as described in Acts 14:3, epitomize what it means to actively live in faith. These two disciples gained their testimonies by living the gospel, by knowing Christ and teaching his word. In return for their obedience, Paul and Barnabas were made courageous, bold, and exemplary disciples. They were given opportunities to prove their faith and worthiness to Heavenly Father.

While I read about these men, I strived to become more like them. I took the time to examine my own testimony: I believe in the Plan of Salvation; I believe that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and are watching over me always; I believe that Christ’s Church was restored to this earth by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that he has been succeeded by Prophets called of God; I believe that the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price are revelations from God that contain eternal and absolute truths; I believe that if I cleave unto these truths in my heart and mind, I will once again live with my Heavenly Father.

After acknowledging my testimony, I decided to more actively live it. I made it a point to speak to my Heavenly Father every morning and every night, seeking his guidance and forgiveness. I pondered the scriptures more often, and more sincerely. I tried loving others with an open heart, forgiving them in every instance, and always trying to treat them well. After applying these practices to my life, I noticed how blessed I was to have it. I began recognizing what others needed, and how I could use the gospel to help them. I was more courageous to share my testimony to my friends, more willing to teach my younger siblings how the church could help them be happier, and more steadfast in gathering my family in prayer and study. I realized that living in faith brought me power and opportunity.

I have the ability to obtain the same faith that Heavenly Father used to create the Universe. All I have to do is act upon what I believe, and seek to do the will of God. If I endure life well, my faithful living “might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ,” bringing me eternal exaltation (1 Peter 1:7). I will be found worthy to inherit his kingdom.

This next principle, taken from Romans 5:3-5, reminded me that hope also brings infinite blessings. If I have hope during my trials, then I will be filled with the Holy Spirit. In these scriptures, Paul teaches that tribulation can inspire patience within us, and that patience gives us experience. Our experiences teach us to have hope in Jesus Christ. In that hope we can never be ashamed or discouraged because we are filled with the Holy Ghost, who testifies of God’s love.

My experiences and mistakes have taught me that a joyful, successful life is not possible without help from my Heavenly Father. When I lose hope and believe that my trials will never end, that no one could save me, I feel lost and alone. But during quiet moments, when I’m not too busy holding pity parties for myself, I feel a burning sensation within my heart, reminding me that God loves me. This small sensation grows to overwhelming heights.

This final principle explores the power of God’s love. If I allow God's love to fill my heart, I will not feel fear. 1 John 4:18 states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” This is one of my favorite scriptures. It has given me comfort, strength, and guidance on a deeply spiritual level. At one time in my life, I had little confidence in my ability to be loved. I knew that my family had love for me, and I believed that Heavenly Father loved me as well, but I hadn't really grasped the concept of unconditional love. I had trouble believing in the power of love, and I always felt fear when I got close to others; fear that they would see something in me that would turn them away; fear that I wasn't good enough.

This scripture taught me that everything God is, all that he does, is love. I gained a testimony that Heavenly Father loves me, has always loved me, and will always love me. I knew that I could not fear anything because Heavenly Father loves me. The most powerful being in the universe holds tender affection for me, and does everything in his power to ensure my safety and happiness. I now recognize the love others have for me, and the deep love I have for others. I know that I am never alone, and that I am always loved. I know that I can be made perfect in his love, and that I can one day be good enough to live with him again.

False Teachers – 2 Peter 2

In this Epistle, Peter describes and exposes false teachers. He says that they will speak evil of opinions differing from their own, speak persuasively and dishonestly, deny Christ, and speak with vanity and praise for themselves and their own beliefs. He also explains that false teachers will deny Christ and criticize His teachings, that they will despise morality, and praise lust and adultery. False teachers will be characteristically presumptuous, lustful, self-willed, unstable, fleeting, and prideful.

Peter’s warning helps me identify false teachers and teachings today. The world is filled with thousands of contradictory opinions, and every day I must decide what to believe. . Movies, television, and the internet all try to persuade us to accept social norms and popular beliefs. Perhaps the media is more subtle and dangerously persuasive than the false teachers of old. But if I look closely, I can recognize that the happiness they portray is temporary because it does not coincide with the truths of the Gospel. If I compare the teachings and opinions I hear in the world with Christ’s teachings, I will know if they preach truth or falsehoods.

Peter warned the saints against turning again to sin after they had received the light. If we keep sinning after we have learned the truth and been forgiven of that sin, it will be harder for us to overcome it. Once we turn away from the light, the darkness we feel from sin will be darker than before, and we will feel as if we are a dog “turned to his own vomit again” (2 Pet. 2:22).  Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 teaches that the more knowledge we have, the more accountable we become. When we know more and understand the consequences we have because of our sins, we have a deep responsibility to our knowledge. Our consequences become more significant and severe when we disregard truth and act against it. Doctrine and Covenants 82:8 teaches that once we sin, more sin will come. Sin opens our heart to Satan, and we become more susceptible to additional sin.

The safest way to avoid the darkness of sin is to abide by Christ’s teachings and look for false teachers.

The Trial of My Faith - Peter 1-4

Amongst life's hardships and challenges, discouragement seems inevitable. I have often cursed my life and thought, "Life isn't fair! Why do I have so many trials? I'm tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the commandments." I've often felt that I was doing right, that I was trying to be good, and I didn't understand why life was so difficult and filled with small tragedies. In his first epistle, Peter taught me how to overcome this mindset. Yes, my trials will be difficult, and possibly too heavy to endure alone, but I must remember that my Heavenly Father loves me, and that he is always there for me to rely on. 

Peter taught me that I must realize the great good God has done for me. Foremost of all, He has given me the Atonement. Through Christ's sacrifice, I will be resurrected, I can repent of my sins and wrongdoings, I can become perfected, and I will have "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for [me]" (Peter 1:4). In the middle of my trials and temptations, I must always return my thoughts to the "lively hope" of God's mercy (1:3). If I embrace Christ's Atonement in faith and lay my burdens upon the Lord, my faith will become perfected, and I will find "praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1:7).

When I suffer persecution and ridicule for my beliefs and actions, it cuts me to the core. 
I often think that I should be blessed for my righteous action, not punished with disdain from my peers. However, Peter teaches throughout his epistle that persecution in the name of righteousness is a blessing and an honor. Those that do evil give me an opportunity to do good. When I serve those that ridicule me, they will see God's influence and spirit within me. If I put aside bitterness and anger and act in faith and love, I will "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" (2:15). They will have no power or influence over me because they will know that God is with me. Peter wrote that each of us is called to suffer as a Christian. I must, like Christ, suffer for my well-doings and endure it patiently. When I do so, I can become more like my Savior and show God that I follow him. I become united with him in my suffering, and taken in by the "Shepherd and Bishop" of my soul (2:25).

Peter wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you... if any man  suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful creator" (4:12-14, 16, 19).

I need not fear, but rejoice in suffering, for God allows me trials in order to bring me closer to him.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - Hebrews 11-12

In this epistle, Paul instructs the saints to show their faith by abandoning their sins. He encourages them to look to Jesus Christ as an example and guide. He continues his discourse on faith by describing great examples of faith in the Scriptures.

Name	Verse	How They Demonstrated Faith	Blessings They Received
Abel	4	Offered a “more excellent sacrifice”	A witness from God that he was righteous
Enoch	5	Had a testimony that “pleased God”	He was translated
Noah	7	Prepared an ark by revelation	Became an heir of righteousness
Abraham	8	By obedience he journeyed in the wilderness	The inheritance of the Lord
Sara	11	“Judged him faithful who had promised”	Strengthened to conceive seed
Isaac	20	Gave Priesthood blessings	Revelation of things to come
Joseph	22	Prophesied concerning the children of Israel	Authority for revelation
Moses	23	Parted the Red Sea	Blessed with Safety
Rahab	31	“Received the spies with peace”	Did not perish

Three more examples of the faithful in the Book of Mormon are:

Nephi, who obeyed his father’s words and believed on his testimony and was blessed with leadership over his people.

Abinadi, who died while bearing his testimony and God received his soul.

Samuel the Lamanite, who preached to the Nephites and was protected from their attacks.

Sometimes faith and belief are used synonymously. These two concepts are, however, different. Belief is an intellectual acceptance of a concept, but faith is more powerful. “Faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action.” One can believe in something without having faith in it. In order to develop faith, one must change and act according to those beliefs. Faith, then, is living action. When fully developed and actively utilized, faith becomes power. Heavenly Father acts by the power of faith; he created the heavens and the earth with it.